You can’t move, you have to be still like a statue.  This is the number one rule for any MRI.   I know this rule because when I was four years old I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1 .  Neurofibromatosis type 1 - often abbreviated NF 1- is a genetic disorder that has led me to have fibromas (small bumps that feel like buttonholes), birthmarks - one of which is turtle shaped- and a surgery when I was 10.  Since my diagnosis I have had at least 24 MRIs, 16 of which I have had without sedation.  My MRIs were to monitor my condition.   From all of my hospital visits I have learned something important: the hospital is one big team, and everyone is important.  The appointment that first exposed me to this is my first MRI without sedation.

“It’s the girl from the MRI book!”  A phrase that used to, but no longer phases me when I am recognized at the hospital.  On the day of my first MRI without sedation I met a child life specialist- Jessica.   She explained to me what was going to happen, and what I should expect from the experience.  I was told I could even pick music, which I did- Hannah Montana 2. While I don’t remember much about the actual MRI itself,  I do remember what happened not long after.  Jessica was telling my mom that new pictures were needed for the MRI book- the tool used to help kids understand what was about to happen to them during the MRI.  As the only patient getting an MRI at the moment, I was asked if I wanted to be the star of it.  During the process of having my pictures taken  I met many different people who worked in the hospital.  Through meeting everyone that I did, I learned the importance of teamwork in a hospital setting.

My ultimate goal in life is to be a nurse.   I believe through all of my hospital visits I have developed a level of empathy that many others don’t have.  I have also learned from going to the hospital that everyone who works there has a job that ultimately leads to the best hospital experience possible.  As an example, someone like Jessica helps put complicated ideas into simple terms so that kids can understand.  Even though some may consider her job lesser than a surgeon,  it is my belief that their jobs are equal.  I can say with a clear conscience that I have never had a negative hospital experience, and because of this I want others to be able to say the same.  Nurses are my favorite people at hospitals.  What makes a nurse great is that they are helpful, sympathetic and empathetic at times, and they do what’s best for you.  I love helping people and I think with my empathetic and helpful ways I could be a great nurse.

There is no I in team, but there is in hospital.  A hospital works as a team with the ultimate goal of healing and helping.  By the time I was eight and having my first MRI without sedation, I could truly understand that message.  With every trip to the doctor I have had since that day, my desire to become a nurse has become stronger.  In ten years I want to be able to look back on this essay and still believe everything that is said in it.